Relative Photosynthetic Electron Transport Rate Research Articles

Diurnally fluctuatingpCO2 enhances growth of a coastal strain ofEmiliania huxleyiunder future-projected ocean acidification conditions

AbstractThe carbonate chemistry in coastal waters is more variable compared with that of open oceans, both in magnitude and time scale of its fluctuations. However, knowledge of the responses of coastal phytoplankton to dynamic changes in pH/pCO2 has been scarcely documented. Hence, we investigated the physiological performance of a coastal isolate of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (PML B92/11) under fluctuating and stable pCO2 regimes (steady ambient pCO2, 400 μatm; steady elevated pCO2, 1200 μatm; diurnally fluctuating elevated pCO2, 600–1800 μatm). Elevated pCO2 inhibited the calcification rate in both the steady and fluctuating regimes. However, higher specific growth rates and lower ratios of calcification to photosynthesis were detected in the cells grown under diurnally fluctuating elevated pCO2 conditions. The fluctuating pCO2 regime alleviated the negative effects of elevated pCO2 on effective photochemical quantum yield and relative photosynthetic electron transport rate compared with the steady elevated pCO2 treatment. Our results suggest that growth of E. huxleyi could benefit from diel fluctuations of pH/pCO2 under future-projected ocean acidification, but its calcification was reduced by the fluctuation and the increased concentration of CO2, reflecting a necessity to consider the influences of dynamic pH fluctuations on coastal carbon cycles associated with ocean global changes.

How can biochar-based metal oxide nanocomposites counter salt toxicity in plants?

Application of biochar-based metal oxide nanocomposites can acquire new composites and combine the benefits of biochar with nanomaterials. For the first time, this research was conducted to evaluate the possible effects of solid biochar (25g biochar kg-1 soil) and biochar-based nanocomposites (BNCs) of magnesium oxide (25g BNC-MgO kg-1 soil), manganese oxide (25g BNC-MnO biochar kg-1 soil) and combined use of these nanocomposites (12.5g BNC-MgO + 12.5g BNC-MnO kg-1 soil) on salt (non-saline, 6 and 12dSm-1 NaCl salinities) tolerance of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Salinity reduced potassium, magnesium and manganese contents in root and leaf tissues, chlorophyll content index, photosynthetic pigments, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and relative photosynthetic electron transport rate (RETR), leaf water content and plant biomass, but increased the sodium content, reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), oxidative stress and antioxidants and ROS detoxification potential of safflower roots and leaves. Application of biochar and BNCs increased the contents of potassium, manganese and magnesium in plant tissues, photosynthetic pigments, Fv/Fm and RETR, leaf water content and reduced sodium accumulation, ROS generation and oxidative stress under saline conditions, leading to a higher plant biomass in comparison with control. The BNC-MgO + BNC-MnO was the superior treatment on reducing salt toxicity. This treatment reduced oxidative stress by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, Fv/Fm and RETR of safflower under salt stress. These results revealed that BNCs have a great potential for improving salt tolerance of plants through increasing RETR and decreasing sodium accumulation and ROS generation.

Elevated CO2 concentration alleviates UVR-induced inhibition of photosynthetic light reactions and growth in an intertidal red macroalga

The commercially important red macroalga Pyropia (formerly Porphyra) yezoensis is, in its natural intertidal environment, subjected to high levels of both photosynthetically active and ultraviolet radiation (PAR and UVR, respectively). In the present work, we investigated the effects of a plausibly increased global CO2 concentration on quantum yields of photosystems II (PSII) and I (PSI), as well as photosynthetic and growth rates of P. yezoensis grown under natural solar irradiance regimes with or without the presence of UV-A and/or UV-B. Our results showed that the high-CO2 treatment (~1000 μbar, which also caused a drop of 0.3 pH units in the seawater) significantly increased both CO2 assimilation rates (by 35%) and growth (by 18%), as compared with ambient air of ~400 μbar CO2. The inhibition of growth by UV-A (by 26%) was reduced to 15% by high-CO2 concentration, while the inhibition by UV-B remained at ~6% under both CO2 concentrations. Homologous results were also found for the maximal relative photosynthetic electron transport rates (rETRmax), the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), as well as the midday decrease in effective quantum yield of PSII (YII) and concomitant increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). A two-way ANOVA analysis showed an interaction between CO2 concentration and irradiance quality, reflecting that UVR-induced inhibition of both growth and YII were alleviated under the high-CO2 treatment. Contrary to PSII, the effective quantum yield of PSI (YI) showed higher values under high-CO2 condition, and was not significantly affected by the presence of UVR, indicating that it was well protected from this radiation. Both the elevated CO2 concentration and presence of UVR significantly induced UV-absorbing compounds. These results suggest that future increasing CO2 conditions will be beneficial for photosynthesis and growth of P. yezoensis even if UVR should remain at high levels.

Long-term fluorometric measurements of photosynthetic processes in Antarctic moss Bryum sp. during austral summer season

Photosynthetic activity pattern of Bryum sp. was monitored for 28days using a chlorophyll a fluorescence measuring system installed in the field. For the study, long-term research plot, a moss-dominated vegetaiton oasis at seashore located close to the J.G. Mendel station (James Ross Island, Antarctica) was selected. In this study, two measuring sites were used: (1) control plot with moss cover and (2) moss located inside open top chamber (OTC). At both sites, effective quantum yield of photosynthetic processes in photosyntem II (FPSII) was measured and relative photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETRrel) evaluated each 15 min. Simultaneously, microclimate of the sites was measured including air and moss surface temperature, relative air humidity and photosynthetically active radiation. The length of photosyntetically active period depended mainly on hydration of moss cushion. Water availability, however, was not limiting in the measuring period (Jan 8 - Feb 18, 2009), because the sites were well suplied by melt water from neighbouring snowfield. Thus, daily courses of ETRrel were dependent on incident PAR. On sunny days, ETRrel reached values over 400. Inhibition of primary photosynthetic processes due to below-zero temperature and resulting freezing of moss cushions appeared two times within the measuring periods thanks to rapid decreases in air temperature. The effect of low air temperature on ETRrel was less apparent in OTC site since moss cushion freezing period was shorter and less pronounced than in control site thanks to OTC-induced shift in air temperature. For future photosynthetic studies in Antarctic mosses, simultaneous measurements of gas exchange- and chlorophyll fluorescence-related parameters is recommended so that the effects of particular limiting factors for photosynthesis and photosynthetic productivity can be distinguished and evaluated.

Photosynthesis Assessment in Microphytobenthos Using Conventional and Imaging Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry

Imaging pulse amplitude modulated (Imaging-PAM) fluorometry is a breakthrough in the study of spatial heterogeneity of photosynthetic assemblages. However, Imaging and conventional PAM uses a different technology, making comparisons between these techniques doubtful. Thereby, photosynthetic processes were comparatively assessed using conventional (Junior PAM and PAM 101) and Imaging-PAM on intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB; mud and sand) and on cork oak leaves. Lower values of α (initial slope of the rETR, relative photosynthetic electron transport rate) vs E (incident photosynthetic active radiation) curve), ETR(max) (maximum relative ETR), E(k) (light saturation parameter) and F(v)/F(m) (maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II of dark-adapted samples) were obtained using the Imaging-PAM. The level of discrepancy between conventional and Imaging-PAM systems was dependent on the type of sample, being more pronounced for MPB muddy sediments. This may be explained by differences in the depth integration of the fluorescence signal related to the thickness of the photosynthetic layer and in the light attenuation coefficients of downwelling irradiance. An additional relevant parameter is the taxonomic composition of the MPB, as cyanobacteria present in sandy sediments rendered different results with red and blue excitation light fluorometers. These findings emphasize the caution needed when interpreting chlorophyll fluorescence data of MPB communities.

ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PERFORMANCE OF PORPHYRA YEZOENSIS (BANGIALES, RHODOPHYTA) IN CONCHOCELIS PHASE(1).

Photosynthetic characteristics of four Porphyra yezoensis Ueda [a taxonomic synonym of Pyropia yezoensis (Ueda) M. S. Hwang et H. G. Choi] strains in conchocelis phase were investigated and compared with one wildtype of P. yezoensis and two strains of Porphyra haitanensis T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng [a taxonomic synonym of Pyropia haitanensis (T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng) N. Kikuchi et M. Miyata]. Results showed that experimental strains had higher contents of chl a and carotenoids, but a lower content of total phycobiliproteins than the wildtype. Meanwhile, photochemical efficiency of PSII was measured using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry technology. The value of PSII photosynthetic parameters of P. yezoensis strains were all higher than the wild strain, and the maximal quantum yields (Fv /Fm ), effective quantum yields Y(II), and relative photosynthetic electron transport rates (rETR) of P. haitanensis were higher than those of P. yezoensis. The present study verified the possibility of selective breeding of P. yezoensis using the filamentous sporophyte instead of the gametophytic thallus, the advantages being (i) nonrequirement of control of life cycle and (ii) direct and rapid cultivar improvement by artificial selection. We consider the method to be a promising technique for selective breeding of P. yezoensis cultivars.

In situ study of relative electron transport rates in the marine macroalga Fucus vesiculosus in the Baltic Sea at different depths and times of year

The brown alga Fucus vesiculous is one of the few marine species in the Baltic Sea. Fucus vesiculosus shows high morphological and physiological variability as a response to its environmental conditions. The salinity in the Baltic Sea is 4–5 psu, compared to 35 psu in the Atlantic. Photosynthesis of algae is usually measured after collection and transportation to constant culture conditions. However, in this study, relative photosynthetic electron transport rates, calculated from chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were compared in algae collected from 1 and 4 m depths by SCUBA divers. Measurements of light response curves from the same individuals of F. vesiculosus at different depths and times of the year have, to our knowledge, not been made previously. Measurements were performed on four different occasions during the spring of 2005 (25 February, 3 and 29 April, and 26 May) in the Baltic Sea, using rapid light curves generated with a Diving PAM. In addition, samples were collected for photoinhibition studies in the laboratory. The light response curves obtained in situ at 1 and 4 m depths for F. vesiculosus showed lower values of light saturation with depth. When algae from 1 and 4 m depths were exposed to high irradiances of photosynthetically active radiation (1,400 μmol photons m−2 s−1), algae from 1 m depth showed a higher degree of photoinhibition in comparison to algae from 4 m depth.

Endolithic algae photoacclimate to increased irradiance during coral bleaching

The photoacclimation of endolithic algae (of the genus Ostreobium) inhabiting the skeleton of the Mediterranean coral Oculina patagonica during a bleaching event was examined. Pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence techniques in situ were used to assess the photosynthetic efficiency of endolithic algae in the coral skeleton and the symbiotic dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae) in the coral tissue. Relative photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETRs) of the endolithic algae under bleached areas of the colony were significantly higher than those of endolithic algae from a healthy section of the colony and those of zooxanthellae isolated from the same section. Endolithic algae under healthy parts of the colony demonstrated an ETRmax of 16.5% that of zooxanthellae from tissue in the same section whereas endolithic algae under bleached sections showed ETRmax values that were 39% of those found for healthy zooxanthellae. The study demonstrates that endolithic algae undergo photoacclimation with increased irradiance reaching the skeleton. As PAM fluorometry has become a major tool for assessing levels of stress and bleaching in corals, the importance of considering the contribution of the endolithic algae to the overall chlorophyll fluorescence measured is highlighted.

Photoinhibition in shallow‐water colonies of the coral Stylophora pistillata as measured in situ

Continuous pulse amplitudeߚmodulated (PAM) fluorescence measurements were performed in situ under natural irradiances for colonies of the coral Stylophora pistillata growing in shallow (2 m) and deeper (11 m) waters of the Red Sea. The effective quantum yield (ΔF/F′m ) showed a diurnal pattern inversely related to that of the incident downwelling photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), but this pattern was skewed for the shallow colonies such that the values were always lower in the afternoon than during morning hours when measured at similar irradiances. Accordingly, the relative photosynthetic electron transport rate (rETR, = ΔF/F′m × incident PAR) for those colonies also showed lower values in the afternoons than in the mornings at equal irradiances. The rETRs also saturated well before maximal midday irradiances occurred. At the same time, nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ, measured as [Fm ‐ F′m ]/F′m ) was higher in the afternoons than during the mornings under similar incident PAR values. These results indicate an afternoon loss in photosynthetic capacity from photoinhibition. Such photoinhibition was not apparent during the course of the day in the corals growing in deeper water. The latter also showed no saturation of photosynthesis at the highest incident PAR values at noon (which were approximately a third of those at the shallower site). In addition, the shallow‐growing corals showed significantly lower maximum quantum yields (ΔF/F′m measured during nighttime, equivalent to Fv/Fm) than the deeper growing ones. This is most likely caused by an additional, more chronic, photoinhibition in the shallow‐growing corals but could also be due to some form of photoacclimation or to factors other than light.

High Temperature Effects on Light Sensitivity in the Two High Mountain Plant Species Soldanella alpina (L.) and Rannunculus glacialis (L.)

Abstract: The susceptibility to high temperature‐induced photoinhibition was investigated in leaves of two high mountain plant species, S. alpina and R. glacialis. In both species, PSII was similarly photoinactivated at 38 °C in the light. However, recovery from damage was much faster in S. alpina and depended on protein synthesis. In contrast, recovery was independent from protein synthesis in R. glacialis. Heat‐induced photoinactivation in both species was accompanied by: (1) a decrease in relative photosynthetic electron transport rates, (2) an increase in non‐photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching, (3) a strong accumulation of zeaxanthin, (4) a marked decrease in soluble carbon metabolites and (5) an increase in lipid metabolism products, which was more pronounced in R. glacialis than in S. alpina. These results indicate that carbon assimilation was inhibited and that membranes were affected. Lipid peroxidation and possible membrane disintegration might limit the repair of damaged PSII in R. glacialis, while S. alpina appears to be protected by carotenoids and antioxidants. A marked decrease in α‐tocopherol content and an increase in reduced ascorbate indicated lipid peroxide scavenging activity in S. alpina. When zeaxanthin synthesis was impaired by DTT, photoinhibition increased and α‐tocopherol accumulated in R. glacialis. The increased susceptibility of R. glacialis leaves to light‐induced photoinhibition after growth at moderate temperature (Streb et al., 2003a) and the inability to repair heat‐induced damage might limit the distribution of R. glacialis to lower altitudes in the Alps.

Photo‐inhibition and seasonal photosynthetic performance of the seaweed Laminaria saccharina during a simulated tidal cycle: chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and pigment analysis

Abstract Laminaria saccharina (Lamouroux) form the largest, most abundant and conspicuous seaweed populations along the French coast of the eastern English Channel. As they are located in the intertidal zone, they are exposed to considerable irradiance variations, mainly related to tidal cycles. The response of these macro‐algae to light variations over a simulated daily tidal cycle was investigated in the laboratory during spring, autumn and winter using chlorophyll fluorescence and pigment analysis. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the operating PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) showed clear daily cycles according to the irradiance variation throughout the 12 h simulated tidal cycle, whereas the pattern of the relative photosynthetic electron transport rate (rETR) was not so obvious. The algae reacted to the light increase by developing photoprotective mechanisms able to dissipate the excess energy reaching PSII by the de‐epoxidation of violaxanthin into zeaxanthin. Because of their better acclimation to strong irradiance, spring populations were less affected by this light treatment than were winter populations. In particular, L. saccharina showed more pigments of the xanthophyll cycle in spring to cope with strong irradiance exposure. Alternatively, they developed their antenna complexes in winter to harvest a maximum of light.

Photoadaptation of zooxanthellae in the sponge Cliona vastifica from the Red Sea, as measured in situ

In the Red Sea, the zooxanthellate sponge Cliona vastifica (Hancock) is mainly present at >15 m depth or in shaded areas. To test whether its scarcity in unshaded areas of shallower waters is linked to the functional inefficiency of its photosymbionts at high irradiances, sponges were transferred from 30 m to a six times higher light regime at 12 m depth, and then returned to their original location. During this time, photosynthetic responses to irradiance were measured as rapid light curves (RLCs) in situ by pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry using a portable underwater device, and samples were taken for microscopic determinations of zooxanthellar abundance. The zooxanthellae harboured by this sponge adapted to the higher irradiance at 12 m by increasing both their light saturation points and relative photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETRs). The ETRs at light saturation increased almost fourfold within 15–20 days of transfer to the shallower water, and decreased back to almost their original values after the sponges were returned to 30 m depth. This, as well as the fact that the photosynthetic light responses within an individual sponge were in accordance with the irradiance incident to specific surfaces, shows that these photosymbionts are highly adaptable to various irradiances. There was no significant change in the number of zooxanthellae per sponge area throughout these experiments, and the different photosynthetic responses were likely due to adaptations of the photosynthetic apparatus within each zooxanthella. In conclusion, it seems that parameters other than the hypothesised inability of the photosymbionts to adapt adequately to high light conditions are the cause of C. vastifica's rareness in unshaded shallow areas of the Red Sea.

Estimation of Primary Productivity by Chlorophyll a in vivo Fluorescence in Freshwater Phytoplankton

Primary productivity in marine waters is widely estimated by the measurements of 14C incorporation, the underwater light climate, and the absorption spectra of phytoplankton. In bio-optical models the quantum efficiency of carbon fixation derived from 14C incorporation rates, the photosynthetically absorbed radiation derived from the underwater light climate, and the phytoplankton absorption spectra are used to calculate time- and depth-integrated primary productivity. Due to the increased sensitivity of commercially available fluorometers, chlorophyll a in vivo fluorescence became a new tool to assess the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. Since fluorescence data yield only relative photosynthetic electron transport rates, a direct conversion into absolute carbon fixation rates is not possible. Here, we report a procedure how this problem can be adressed in freshwater phytoplankton. We adapted a marine bio-optical model to the freshwater situation and tested if this model yields realistic results when applied to a hypertrophic freshwater reservoir. Comparison of primary productivity derived from 14C incorporation to primary productivity derived from Chl a fluorescence showed that the conversion of fluorescence data into carbon fixation rates is still an unsolved problem. Absolute electron transport rates calculated from fluorescence data tend to overestimate primary production. We propose that the observed differences are caused mainly by neglecting the package effect of pigments in phytoplankton cells and by non-carbon related electron flow (e.g., nitrogen fixation). On the other hand, the 14C incorporation rates can be artificially influenced by bottle effects, especially near the water surface, where photoinhibition, photorespiration, and Mehler reaction can play a major role.